06-14-2026 03:14 PM
I’m going to Yellowstone soon, and want a longer reach than my 100-400mm. I put in an order to rent the 200-800 but now I’m thinking I should switch and go with the 100-500 instead. Thoughts?
I have an R50.
06-14-2026 03:42 PM
Greetings,
It's a matter of preference. On the R50 I'd go with the 100-500. FOV equivalent at max focal length is 800 mm. If you need more than that, I'd get closer. It'll be easier to carry while walking around too.
If you are stationary and want maximum reach the 200-800 is solid. Some people say you always want as much FL as you can get. If you're willing to carry it, go long. 🙂
~Rick
Bay Area - CA
~R5 C (1.1.2.1), ~R50v (1.2.0) ~RF Trinity, ~RF 100 Macro, ~RF 100~400, ~RF 100~500, ~RF 200-800 +RF 1.4x TC, BG-R10, 430EX III-RT ~DxO PhotoLab Elite ~DaVinci Resolve Studio ~ImageClass MF644Cdw/MF656Cdw ~Pixel 10 ~CarePaks Are Worth It
06-14-2026 09:22 PM
I was at Yellowstone several years ago and at the time my max length was 300mm. I had a lot of good pictures, but I could have had a lot more with a longer length, myself, I would go with the 200-800. I saw a lot of wildlife that was pretty far away, and no way to get closer. I saw bighorn sheep that were on ledges across canyons, grizzly bears high up on hills. And if you want to see wolves, they will be quite a distance as they try to avoid people. Wildlife is everywhere in Yellowstone so you want to keep a long lens on your camera. But you will also want to have wide angle and normal lenses too for some of the volcanic features of Yellowstone. and even some wildlife. We were not in the park very long before there was a "buffalo jam", the buffalo decide they are going to be on the road, so you will wait til they are gone. I was driving and my son had my camera, tried to shoot a buffalo walking past the car, but it was too close to focus with a telephoto. I would suggest having two cameras with you if can, maybe rent a second.
I'll add, get up early and be in the park when the sun rises, wildlife is most active in the morning and evening. There is wildlife everywhere, but especially along the river valleys. I spent time along the Madison River and the Yellowstone River and saw the most wildlife there. Most of the volcanic feature are pretty good too, the only bad one was Old Faithful and it is overrun with tourists. Be alert because there as may be wildlife on the roads and people that drive that are preoccupied (I guess that's everywhere). Have fun and get some great photos!
06-15-2026 08:28 AM
It's really up to you and your preferences for shooting distance. Here's an example of someone using a 1.4x extender AND the 200-800mm and the ranger being nervous. https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/Share-Your-Photos/Grizzly-on-a-downed-Elk/m-p/586173
I don't have the 100-500 to compare. On my R6 Mark II I need as much real image on the sensor as possible so I have the 200-800.
06-15-2026 09:20 AM
keronbwan,
I used to live near Yellowstone, and if I could offer one piece of advice, it doesn't relate to lenses, but to the speed limit. The distances you will be traveling don't seem like much on a map, but because you can only go 30-35 mph, it will take you a long time to go any where, so you have to take that into account in planning your photos opportunities.
Steve Thomas
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